Sweet and Sour Meatballs

This sweet and sour meatball recipe transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, restaurant-quality dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners. The tender beef meatballs are nestled in a colorful stir-fry with the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first made these meatballs for a potluck dinner with neighbors, and they disappeared within minutes. Now they're my go-to recipe whenever I need something impressive that doesn't require hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Creates juicy, flavorful meatballs that hold their shape perfectly while absorbing the sweet and sour sauce
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and create the ideal texture look for panko for extra crispness
• Soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce: Add umami depth that elevates the flavor profile
• Bell peppers: In multiple colors provide both vibrant appearance and sweet crunch choose firm peppers with glossy skin
• Fresh pineapple chunks: Balance the savory elements with natural sweetness canned works great too when fresh isn't available
• Green onions: Add a mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast both in the meatballs and as garnish
• Sweet and sour sauce: Ties everything together homemade allows you to control the sweetness level

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the meatball mixture:

Combine ground beef with breadcrumbs, egg, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, green onions, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly but gently to avoid overworking the meat, which can make meatballs tough. Let the mixture rest for at least 20 minutes so the flavors can meld and the breadcrumbs can fully absorb the moisture.

Form and bake the meatballs:

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and roll between your palms to form uniform balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet with a little space between each. Spray lightly with cooking oil to promote browning. Bake for 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside and juicy inside.

Prepare the vegetable stir fry:

While the meatballs bake, heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add the colorful bell peppers, onion chunks, and pineapple pieces. Stir fry quickly for 3 4 minutes just until the vegetables begin to soften but still maintain their crispness and vibrant colors. The pineapple will release some juices that help create steam to cook the vegetables.

Combine and finish the dish:

Add the baked meatballs to the skillet with the vegetables and pineapple. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over everything and gently toss to coat evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2 3 minutes until it slightly thickens and glazes the meatballs and vegetables. The sauce should bubble gently around the edges of the pan.

Garnish and serve:

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and white sesame seeds over the finished dish for color, texture, and a subtle flavor boost. Serve immediately over steamed white rice, which provides the perfect neutral base to soak up the delicious sauce.

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The secret to these meatballs is the marinating time. I once rushed and skipped the 20 minute rest, and while they were still good, they lacked the depth of flavor that makes this recipe special. My husband commented immediately that something was different that day, confirming how important that simple step really is.

Perfect Rice Pairing

Jasmine rice makes the ideal companion for these sweet and sour meatballs. Its fragrant aroma and slightly sticky texture help capture every bit of the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, cook 1 cup of jasmine rice with 1½ cups water and a pinch of salt. Start the rice before preparing the meatballs, and both will finish around the same time. For a healthier option, brown rice or cauliflower rice work beautifully too.

Make Ahead Options

These sweet and sour meatballs are perfect for busy weeknight meal planning. You can form the raw meatballs up to 24 hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. For even more convenience, bake the meatballs completely and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply prepare the vegetable stir fry, add the precooked meatballs, and finish with the sauce. The dish comes together in under 15 minutes when the meatballs are prepared in advance.

Homemade Sweet and Sour Sauce

While store bought sauce works perfectly, making your own sweet and sour sauce elevates this dish to restaurant quality. Combine ¾ cup pineapple juice, ⅓ cup rice vinegar, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch in a small saucepan. Whisk constantly over medium heat until thickened, about 5 minutes. The homemade version has more depth and less artificial sweetness than most commercial options. It also allows you to adjust the sweet to sour ratio based on your family preferences.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, these sweet and sour meatballs are excellent for meal prep. You can prepare the meatballs up to 3-4 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stovetop in a covered pan over medium heat, in a steamer, or in the microwave until warmed through.

→ What can I serve with sweet and sour meatballs?

Steamed rice is the traditional pairing for these meatballs, but they also go well with noodles, cauliflower rice (for a lower-carb option), or even on their own as an appetizer. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of steamed vegetables or a simple Asian-inspired salad.

→ Can I freeze these meatballs?

Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked meatballs (without the sauce) for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then prepare the vegetable mixture and sauce fresh before combining with the reheated meatballs.

→ Can I substitute the ground beef with another meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork would all work well in this recipe. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but the cooking method remains the same. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

→ What if I don't have fresh pineapple?

Canned pineapple chunks or tidbits work perfectly in this recipe. Just drain them well before adding to the stir fry. If you don't have pineapple at all, mandarin oranges or even mango chunks can provide a similar sweet-tangy flavor.

→ Is there a way to make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also ensure your soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free varieties, as traditional versions may contain wheat.